P. Kharel: Invitation To Instability

Invitation To Instability

By P.
Kharel

Even some of those who were initially
euphoric over the 12-point understanding between the
seven-party alliance and the Maoists have now begun to
review their reaction. Various sections of society have
pointed out the depth of the drawbacks and discrepancies in
the accord reached in Delhi the other day. The leaders who
signed the pact have a hard timing justifying their action.
They describe the pact as historic and path-breaking as if
durable peace is within close sight.

The very parties that
till not long ago upheld the validity of the 1990
Constitution now call for a constituent assembly. Placing
the Royal Nepal Army under international supervision betrays
the real intention of the masterminds behind the accord. In
their craving for immediate power, they have abandoned
principles.

There are many who are trying to extract
advantage from Nepal's current situation. Their collective
efforts at making a spectacle of themselves have only
disenchanted the general public. They do anything to draw
some cheap political points. Adherence to principles has
never been a hallmark of the high priests of our political
parties that pursue power and privilege by any means and at
any cost. The pact with the Maoists they reviled so
vehemently till recently underscores this most tellingly. It
speaks of the height of their desperation.

The Maoists are
aware of the opportunism the mainstream parties have once
again so shamelessly exhibited. The rebels consider the
recent understanding as being to their advantage. The seven
parties have paraded themselves as a weakling removed from
any principled stand. They describe the agreement as a
breakthrough, although the rebels are given a distinct
upperhand and are yet to renounce violence.

Having reached
the understanding, will the seven parties now justify all
future activities of the rebels? Will they emulate the
Maoists? Division in the seven agitating parties has
disjointed and disoriented their rank and file. Leaders of
various parties, within and outside the seven-party
alliance, echo discordant notes.

Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Taranath Ranabhat says that constituent
assembly would invite disintegration of the country. The
President of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, Narayan Man
Bijukchhe, says keeping Nepali army under the control of
foreign powers would put the country's independence and
sovereignty at risk.

Nepali Congress leader Shailaja
Acharya condemns what she terms as the unnatural and
anti-national pact that poses a threat to her party's
existence. The Joint General Secretary of Nepali Congress,,
Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat fears that the Maoists might treat the
understanding only as a strategy amidst reports that they
continue expanding their fighting strength.

C.P. Mainali,
of the Marxist-Leninist Party, expresses strong reservations
over the accord, as the Maoists are yet to lay down their
weapons. Janamorcha Nepal's General Secretary Nava Raj
Subedi is unhappy with his party president Lila Mani
Pokharel who signed the Delhi understanding. For Pokharel
was asked to only hold talks and by no means to sign any
pact.

In brief, the Delhi understanding highlights more
discrepancies than producing a convincing roadmap for
durable peace. It could be ammunition for trouble and
uncertainty, inviting instability and encouragement to
groups reposing faith in weapons of violence.

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